Today is the day when all dreams come true. 32 Selections made by NFL teams that start the new season. Tonight all fans get their hopes up and some get excited by the selections while others wring their hands in frustration. Regardless, it is such a fun night to watch the action. With this last article, I will go over my own Mock Draft, but beforehand I’m going to go over the major position groups and who you should look for in the first 3 rounds plus some late round fliers with some upside for Saturday.

Position Groups

Quarterbacks

Yep, the pretty boys. The guys that get all the ladies, but just like in high school, NFL executives swoon over the top guys every single year. There really is not any other position in all of sports so over-valued as the Quarterback. Now, don’t get me wrong, you need a great QB to win the title. In fact, when you look at the past 25 years, there are very few teams that win the Super Bowl without a top flight QB. However, are they the Best Player Available? Typically, no, but the Team Need for a QB will always outweigh the selection of the Best Player as we have seen so many times in drafts, even though the wash out rate is at best 50% in Top 5 QBs selected. Here is this year’s crop:

Top 5 Guys:

  • Trevor Lawrence, Clemson – With his flowing locks, 6’6″ frame and rocket arm, Lawrence was the #1 Pick in the Draft from the day he set foot on campus at Clemson. He won the National Title as a freshman, and took his team to the playoffs the other 2 years, losing the title in 2020. He is the #1 Pick for a reason.
  • Zach Wilson, BYU – This guy has a cannon for an arm, and he is really athletic. Now, his competition was not so great in 2020, but that didn’t stop him from completely lighting up the competition. He is not as prototypical as Lawrence, but he has moxie and arm talent. He will be the Jets selection at #2.
  • Justin Fields, Ohio State – Fields has been in Lawrence’s shadow since high school, as they both came out of Georgia. Fields transferred to Ohio State and was nothing short of spectacular, especially in beating Lawrence in the semifinals in January. Still, he is not getting nearly as much love as Lawrence or Wilson, and even may fall behind the next two guys I’ll write about. He has the arm, the size at 6’3″ and the mobility to make plays. If he does fall, then that team should be very happy to get him.
  • Trey Lance, North Dakota State – Lance is getting all the buzz in this Draft. Obviously, we have been Carson Wentz come out of the Bisons’ program and succeed (for a little while), and Lance is the total package of speed, arm strength and loves to watch film. However, he is only 20 years old. So, it is a potential versus now pick. I like him with the right coach, but he is not a Day 1 starter. Still, he has leaped past Fields in most Mock Drafts.
  • Mac Jones, Alabama – The QB of the National Champs is not going to run past many or elude a lot of tacklers, but his decision making against the best college competition was elite. Plus, he has enough arm strength to make all the throws. He is safer than Lance, but perhaps with a lower ceiling. That is going to be up to the Team that takes him.

The Other Guys: A couple other names to watch in the later rounds: Kyle Trask, Florida – a lot of people like his toughness and ability to make the right throw, but will he be a starter for a top team, not sure. Davis Mills, Stanford – apparently just had a stellar pro day, but he played in the PAC 12 which does not have the talent profile of the SEC, looks like a solid back up to me who could grow into a starter. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M – can be mobile and run as much as he passes, maybe a la Dak Prescott, but I didn’t think he played well against the best teams the SEC which is a real concern.

Wide Receivers

The WR has become the new hot position given how the NFL has gone. No longer do teams try to get a top RB, now they want to expend Draft Capital on a pass catcher. This year’s Draft is no different, as I’m showing 5 WRs in the first round.

Top 5 Guys:

  • Ja’Marr Chase, LSU – He sat out the 2020 season due to the COVID exemption, but his workouts have been insane beyond his measurables, as he is really fast and smooth in his routes. He will likely be the first WR off the Board.
  • Devonta Smith, Alabama – If you watched any Bama football, then you could see that this kid is an incredible football player. He singlehandedly wrecked the Ohio State defense in the Title game, and his burst and route running are unparalleled. His only knock is he is 170 lbs, so he is slight, the only edge Chase has on him.
  • Jaylen Waddle, Alabama – Yeah, the Tide had some guys, but Waddle was actually injured in the second half of the year. So, that is why he may be behind the other 2 guys, but when healthy this guy’s speed and playmaking ability both on Offense and Special Teams make him a home run threat any time he touches the ball.
  • Kadarius Toney, Florida – A larger slot WR that can use his body well to shield defenders off both near the goal line and all over the field. He can make contested catches, which gives him an edge.
  • Rashod Batemen, Minnesota – A human highlight reel guy with great catching ability. He produced at a very high level in the Big Ten on a not so great team. He has the most room to grow in this group.

Other Guys to Know: Rondale Moore, Purdue – this undersized guy has an insane vertical and his ability to do anything – run catch and return will make him a threat on any play. Elijah Moore, Ole Miss – another undersized, but extremely quick WR who can get open against anyone. Terrance Marshall, LSU – A tall, smooth WR who can go up and get the ball in traffic.

Edge Rushers

These are the real play makers on the Defense. The guys who wreck havoc on their opponents, and they can blast even the best of offenses – look at how Tampa took out the Chiefs. This year’s crop is not as elite as other years, but the position has so much value, you still have 4 guys or so in the 1st Round.

  • Kwity Paye, Michigan – At 6’2″ and 261 lbs, he is more of an explosive LB in a 3-4 scheme. He has been able to destroy most Big Ten opponents, but he will need to get stronger to take the wear and tear of the NFL facing OTs much larger than him. Still, he will be a top selection.
  • Jayson Oweh, Penn State – A tall 6’5″ and athletic player at only 257 lbs, which means he will need to fill out his frame to take on the monsters of the NFL. However, his speed and length pose big problems for OTs that are not fleet a foot.
  • Jaelen Phillips, Miami – 6’5″ and 260 lbs, like his other fellow Edge Rushers in this Draft will need to hit the weight room a lot, but he has the most potential of this group.
  • Azeez Ojulari, Georgia – 6’2″ and 250 lbs is very explosive and fast, which allows him to run down the backside of plays.

Other Players to Watch: Greg Rousseau, Miami – the other Cane that can pummel the QB. Joseph Ossai, Texas – one of the few Texas defenders that could get to the passer. Joe Tryon, Washington – a good blend of speed and power that can grow into an NFL starter.

Offensive Tackles

The movie, The Blind Side, showed the value in this position. Typically, it’s the QB, then the OT that get paid the most on a team. This group is not as great as others, but like the Edge Rushers, every team needs big, quick and skilled OTs to be successful (again look at the Chiefs when they had injuries there). Here are 4 Top Guys and a few others:

  • Penei Sewell, Oregon – A large human at 6’5″ and 331 lbs, but he is very agile and able to move his feet to wall off quick rushers.
  • Rashawn Slater, Northwestern – 6’4″ and 304 lbs, a very technique oriented player who can play both inside and out for a team. He will need to put on some weight to play against the elite in the NFL, but the Mock have him right with Sewell.
  • Christian Darrisaw, VA Tech – 6’5″ and 322 lbs, long armed guy who should be able to translate into a Blind Side protector. He is quick for his size and able to run block, as well.
  • Teven Jenkins, OK State – 6’6″ and 317 lbs, Jenkins has played in all passing systems and has been dominant albeit in the Big 12 not the SEC. His traits translate to the NFL very well.

Other Guys: Alex Leatherwood, Alabama – a mountain who was the reason Alabama could throw at will. Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State – there was a reason Trey Lance could run and throw all day with this guy protecting him. Spencer Brown, Northern Iowa – 6’8″ and 311 lbs, definitely a mid to late round guys, but with that size he has a lot of potential from this small school prospect.

Cornerbacks

The CB has become the next highest paid guy after QB, OT and Edge Rusher. Elite CBs are in such high demand, and even if they are not elite, most teams need at least 4 good ones to compete in the current NFL. So, it is a simple issue of supply and demand. Top 4 and the others to watch:

  • Patrick Surtain, Alabama – Like his father before him, Surtain can be that lockdown CB everyone is looking for. He excelled even against top flight competition every single week in the SEC, plus at 6’2″ he is that new NFL CB build.
  • Jaycee Horn, South Carolina – He may be the top CB taken this year, as his size profile – 6’1″ and 205 lbs make him able to stack up against the longer wideouts in the league
  • Greg Newsome, Northwestern – A good sized player with a nose for the ball. Newsome will go in Round 1.
  • Caleb Farley, VA Tech – Stop when you’ve heard this before, a 6’2″ and 197 lbs frame that can compete for the ball. That is the new CB in the NFL.

Other Guys: Tyson Campbell, Georgia – one of 2 Georgia CBs who could crack the first 2 rounds used to playing the elite WRs of the SEC. Eric Stokes, Georgia – a really fast guy who can play outside or in the slot. Robert Rochell, Central Arkansas – I love a small school guy at CB as they can translate to the next level. Rochelle is a competitor with similar traits to the top guys.

Linebackers

The LB has been devalued like the RB in recent years, but actually the LB position has just changed. No longer does the NFL want a thumper in the middle who just stuffs the run. The NFL needs those guys that can run down ball carriers as well as turn their hips and run into coverage, especially with the emergence of so many high level TEs. This year, I see 4 LBs in the 1st Round:

  • Micah Parson, Penn State – Parsons opted out of 2020, but his speed and playmaking ability are exactly what teams want.
  • Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame – A little undersized at 6’1″ and 221 lbs, but he is possibly more of a Safety in the making, as he can run with TEs in the seam and has more cover skills than his counterparts in this group.
  • Zaven Collins, Tulsa – At 6’5″ and 259 lbs, Collins is really more of an Edge Player, but he has cover skills, as well. So, he can be a very unique player for the right defense. I think he has the most potential to out of this group.
  • Jamin Davis, Kentucky – More of your classic LB with some versatility. He will hit you, and he can come on the blitz effectively.

Running Backs

My favorite position still, but the greatly undervalued position has become a swappable piece in the puzzle. However, you will still have super talented guys come in the league and dominate, and this year we have 2 at the top and a couple others to watch later on:

  • Najae Harris, Alabama – 6’1″ and 232 lbs of smooth running, power. Harris is a do everything back that can carry his team. Like several other Alabama runners of recent vintage, Harris has all the tools to be a great one.
  • Travis Etienne, Clemson – At 5’10” and 215 lbs, Etienne is strong enough to take the NFL punishment, but his burst and hands make him an every down back with home run hitting ability. Some have him over Harris, but it really is what you are looking for in terms of talent, as both are going to start Day 1.

Other Guys: 2 UNC guys – Javonte Williams is capable of carrying the load for sure with enough versatility to play every down, while Michael Carter 5’8 and 201 lbs of lighting – super fast and can make catches turn into TDs – not an every down guy, but super exciting. Small school guy, from Tiffin University, JaQuan Hardy should get drafted on Saturday at 5’10” and 225 lbs, he can contribute right away.

Tight Ends

The position that has revolutionized the modern NFL. The TE has become that weapon that everyone wants, but this year we really only have one at the top.

Kyle Pitts, Florida – 6’6″ and 245 lbs that can make circus catches on one play and run past defenders on another. Some have Pitts rated as the top player in this Draft, and I can’t really argue given the lack of Edge and OTs at the very top end. I’m not sure the last time a TE went in the Top 5, but it is going to happen this year.

Defensive Tackles

Typically, you will have 3-6 guys from this group selected, but for some reason it is a down year. I have one guy in the 1st Round, but believe me Rounds 2-5 will be loaded with DT selections, as the need to have fresh guys who are strong and large are hard to come by.

Christian Barmore, Alabama – At 6’4″ and 310 lbs, with good hands, Barmore can disrupt the offense from the inside. He has faced elite blockers in the SEC and will be ready to contribute Day 1.

Other Guys: Levi Onwuzurike, Washington – He is not the biggest DT, but he is strong and quick, which given he ability to find leverage can make plays. Milton Williams, LA Tech at 6’3 and 284, he is undersized, but he is explosive and strong, so he will be a great pick up for someone.

Safeties

Safeties have become more important with the emergence of the TE, however their value in the Draft is less since the coverage skills typically come at the CB position first then S. In this Draft, there is only one S that grades 1st Round, but there will be several taken over the 3 days.

Trevon Moehrig, TCU – At 6’1″ and 202 lbs, his size and length allow him to complete with the taller WRs and TEs at the next level. Plus, he has good speed and ball skills.

Guards/Centers

The interior O-Line positions are essential for many reasons, but on the line, the OTs are higher valued. This Draft is no different, as only one grades as a 1st Round guy, but I have 8 guys going in the first 3 Rounds. Here is the one for Round 1:

Alijah Vera-Tucker, USC – At 6’4″ and 308 lbs, Vera-Tucker has the size to even play OT, but arm length and quickness may have him start inside to start his career.

Wegs 2021 NFL Mock Draft

Here is my Mock Draft as of the time of the article, assuming no trades:

  1. Jags – Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson – no brainer here
  2. Jets – Zach Wilson, QB, BYU – again, this is already pretty known
  3. 49ers – Mac Jones, QB, Alabama – Here is where it gets hard, Lance is the other guy here, but I think Shanahan comps Jones to Matt Ryan
  4. Falcons – Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida – Falcons could take a QB here, but Pitts is the best player in this Draft
  5. Bengals – Senei Sewell, OT, Oregon – Time to protect Joe Burrow.
  6. Dolphins – Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU – Tua needs weapons to take the next step
  7. Lions – Trey Lance, QB, ND State – Now, there’s a lot of buzz around NE jumping to this spot, so that is the logic here, although DET could still pick Lance, too.
  8. Panthers – Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern – Protect Sam Darnold pick up
  9. Broncos – Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State – He probably is better than Jones or Lance, so DEN may be on to something here.
  10. Cowboys – Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama – DAL will either take Surtain or Horn, even though Jerry wants Pitts really bad.
  11. Giants – Devonta Smith, WR, Alabama – The super talented WR will help out this struggling offense.
  12. Eagles – Jaylen Waddle, WR, Alabama – Philly needs WRs badly.
  13. Chargers – Alijah Vera-Tucker, OG, USC – Most Mock see this, and protecting Herbert inside makes sense.
  14. Vikings – Jaelen Phillips, Edge, Miami – MIN needs to get back to defensive end pressure
  15. Patriots – Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State – Super solid player for NE, if they stay here
  16. Cardinals – Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – Need to replace Patrick Peterson
  17. Raiders – Christian Darrisaw, OT, VA Tech – Raiders want to continue their running prowess
  18. Dolphins – Kwity Paye, Edge, Michigan – The Fins need to get better rushing the passer, despite good 2020
  19. Football Team – Teven Jenkins, OT, OK State – Building the team from the lines has been a theme, and O-Line makes a lot of sense here.
  20. Bears – Greg Newsome, CB, Northwestern – CHI struggled at CB and could use some young guys to help the pass rush
  21. Colts – Tevon Collins, LB, Tulsa – Versatile LB who can help the pass rush
  22. Titans – Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota – TEN lost Davis and needs complement to AJ Brown
  23. Jets – Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson – Home run threat could really help Wilson and this offense
  24. Steelers – Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – PIT needs this big, fast back to get back to their identity
  25. Jags – Trevon Moehrig, S, TCU – Jags need good players and he can play right away
  26. Browns – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame – This versatile LB/S will be a chess piece for CLE to make plays
  27. Ravens – Jayson Oweh, Edge, Penn State – Ravens always find impact players in the Draft
  28. Saints – Christian Barmore, DT, Alabama – With Rankins gone, they need another stud in the middle
  29. Packers – Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida – Aaron Rodgers will finally get his 1st RD WR
  30. Bills – Caleb Farley, CB, VA Tech – A nice pairing with Tredevious White to slow down the Chiefs
  31. Ravens – Jamin Davis, LB, Kentucky – Thank you, Chiefs
  32. Bucs – Azeez Ojulari, Edge, Georgia – The Bucs are running it back, and young at pass rush can’t hurt.

There you have it. Now, it’s time to sit back and watch the Draft for 3 days. Hope your team gets all the players you have been eyeing.

Enjoy,

Wegs

About the author

I'm a 49 year old, twice divorced guy with a 20 year old. The blog has morphed a bit lately. Not just sports or dating, social commentary and now some stories from my past experience.